For draft and final EISs and supplemental environmental impact statements (SEISs):

(1) Preparation of the EIS is the responsibility of the agency, by or under the direction of its responsible official, as specified by the agency's procedures. No matter who participates in the preparation of the EIS, it is the EIS of the agency. The responsible official, prior to distributing an EIS, shall be satisfied that it complies with this chapter and chapter 197-11 WAC.

(2) The agency may have an EIS prepared by agency staff, an applicant or its agent, or by an outside consultant retained by either an applicant or the agency. The agency shall assure that the EIS is prepared in a professional manner and with appropriate interdisciplinary methodology. The responsible official shall direct the areas of research and examination to be undertaken as a result of the scoping process, as well as the organization of the resulting document.

(3) If a person other than the agency is preparing the EIS, the agency shall:

(a) Coordinate any scoping procedures so that the individual preparing the EIS receives all substantive information submitted by any agency and the public that is needed by the person;

(b) Assist in obtaining any information on file with another agency that is needed by the person preparing the EIS;

(c) Allow any party preparing an EIS access to all public records of the agency that relate to the subject of the EIS, under RCW 42.17.250 through 42.17.340.

(4) Normally, the agency will prepare an EIS for its own proposals.

(5) For applicant proposals, the agency normally will require the applicant to prepare or help prepare the EIS at the applicant's expense, under provisions of this chapter and chapter 197-11 WAC.

(6) The agency may require an applicant to provide information that the agency does not possess, including specific investigations. The applicant is not required to supply information that is not required under this chapter and chapter 197-11 WAC.